John 12:47

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

And {G2532} if {G3362} any man {G5100} hear {G191} my {G3450} words {G4487}, and {G2532} believe {G4100} not {G3362}, I {G1473} judge {G2919} him {G846} not {G3756}: for {G1063} I came {G2064} not {G3756} to {G2443} judge {G2919} the world {G2889}, but {G235} to {G2443} save {G4982} the world {G2889}.

If anyone hears what I am saying and does not observe it, I don’t judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Context

John 12:47 concludes a significant section of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of John. Leading up to this verse, Jesus has been teaching openly, declaring Himself as the Light of the world and urging people to believe in Him while He is still with them. This particular statement serves as a summary of His primary purpose for His first coming, contrasting His mission of salvation with the common expectation of a judging Messiah. It immediately precedes His withdrawal from public teaching before the final Passover events and His private discourses with His disciples.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Primary Mission of Salvation: The core message is that Jesus' initial purpose for coming to earth was not to condemn humanity but to offer salvation. This highlights the immense grace and love of God, who sent His Son to rescue, not to punish, the world.
  • Distinction Between First and Second Comings: This verse subtly distinguishes between Christ's first advent, characterized by salvation, and a future judgment. While Jesus states He did not come to judge *now*, other scriptures confirm He will indeed be the ultimate judge in His second coming (see John 5:22).
  • The Role of Belief: Implicit in "if any man hear my words, and believe not" is the critical importance of belief. Though Jesus does not judge them *then*, their unbelief has consequences, as the purpose of His words is to lead to salvation through faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "judge" is krinō (κρίνω), which means to distinguish, decide, or condemn. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus' immediate mission was not one of condemnation or sentencing. The term "save" (sōzō, σῴζω) signifies to deliver, preserve, or make whole, underscoring the life-giving, redemptive nature of His coming. This choice of words clearly defines the benevolent intent behind His incarnation.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully echoes the famous declaration in John 3:17, where Jesus also states, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." It also contrasts with the future role of judgment, as mentioned in John 5:27, where He says the Father "hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." The emphasis on hearing and believing relates closely to John 6:40, which speaks of eternal life for those who see the Son and believe in Him.

Practical Application

John 12:47 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge. It reassures us of God's heart of grace and His desire for our salvation, not our destruction. It reminds us that Jesus came to offer reconciliation and a path to eternal life. For those who hear His words, the call is to respond in faith, embracing the offer of salvation. While His first coming was not for judgment, our response to His saving message determines our standing when He comes again in glory.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 3:17

    For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

  • John 8:15

    Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

  • John 8:16

    And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

  • John 12:48

    He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

  • 1 Timothy 1:15

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

  • 1 Timothy 1:16

    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

  • Luke 19:10

    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

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